Role-playing real-life situations involving being offered drugs or alcohol with your teen can be an effective (and fun!) way to educate them. It’ll help them understand risks and alternatives to temptations so they can make healthy decisions.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids can depress breathing, affect heart function and cloud mental function. Slowed breathing can also lead to coma and permanent brain damage. Remind students that by saying no to opioids, they’re avoiding these major health risks.